4.1.5.5 ‘Umrah Step by Step

Understanding ‘Umrah

‘Umrah is a special visit to the Sacred House in Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. It is an act of worship of the heart, tongue, and body. For many new Muslims and beginners, ‘Umrah is often their first major journey for the sake of Allah.

Allah mentions this worship together with Ḥajj:

“And complete the Ḥajj and the ‘Umrah for Allah.”
[Qur’an 2:196]

The Prophet ﷺ himself performed ‘Umrah and taught it practically to his Companions. In one report about his state in ‘Umrah it is said:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ entered al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, touched the Black Stone, then performed ṭawāf around the House.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim]

In this chapter we will walk through ‘Umrah as a sequence of actions from beginning to end, without going into detailed rulings that belong in other chapters.

Before the Journey

The first step of ‘Umrah begins before leaving your home. The Prophet ﷺ taught that travel for worship should be connected to taqwā, good character, and care for fellow travelers.

“…And travel in the land and see how He originated creation…”
[Qur’an 29:20]

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim]

A person going to ‘Umrah prepares with sincere repentance, clearing debts as much as possible, seeking forgiveness from people they have wronged, and planning to avoid sin during the journey. This moral and spiritual preparation is what makes the physical steps of ‘Umrah meaningful.

Intention and Ihrām

Meaning of Ihrām

Ihrām is the sacred state a person enters before performing Ḥajj or ‘Umrah. It begins with intention in the heart, usually combined with reciting the words of talbiyah, and for men it is outwardly marked by wearing the two white cloths. Ihrām is not only about clothing, it is a contract with Allah to respect certain limits for a period of time.

Allah refers to this sacred state:

“Ḥajj is [in] well-known months. So whoever has made Ḥajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihrām], there is [to be for him] no intimate relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Ḥajj.”
[Qur’an 2:197]

The same state of ihrām is used for ‘Umrah, though the time is shorter. During ihrām certain actions become prohibited, such as cutting nails or hair, using perfume, hunting animals, and, for men, wearing stitched clothing that fits the limbs. These detailed rulings are part of another chapter on “Prohibitions of Ihram,” but you must know that once you enter ihrām you are under special rules until you complete ‘Umrah.

Entering Ihrām from the Mīqāt

Mīqāt means the boundary at which a pilgrim must enter into ihrām before moving closer to Makkah. The Prophet ﷺ fixed these points around Makkah for people coming from different directions.

“The Prophet ﷺ fixed Dhū’l-Ḥulayfah as the mīqāt for the people of Madīnah, al-Juḥfah for the people of Shām, Qarn al-Manāzil for the people of Najd, and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. These are for those people and for anyone who passes by them intending Ḥajj or ‘Umrah…”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī]

A beginner usually travels by plane and the airline often announces when the mīqāt is near. Before passing the mīqāt you should be ready in your mind and appearance to enter ihrām.

Practical Steps to Enter Ihrām

1. Clean your body with a full wash (ghusl) or at least wuḍūʾ.
2. Men put on the two white cloths, one around the waist and one over the shoulders. Women keep their regular modest clothing, without niqāb or gloves, in ihrām.
3. Make the intention in your heart for ‘Umrah, such as: “I intend to perform ‘Umrah for Allah.”
4. Recite the talbiyah with your tongue:

“Labbayka Allāhumma ‘umrah.”
“Here I am, O Allah, for ‘Umrah.”

Then continue frequently with the full talbiyah:

“Labbayka Allāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, innal-ḥamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, lā sharīka lak.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim]

Which means, in summary: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, favor, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”

Traveling toward Makkah in Ihrām

From the moment you enter ihrām until you complete ‘Umrah, remember that you are in a sacred state. Your tongue should be busy with talbiyah, Qur’an, du‘āʾ, and dhikr. The Prophet ﷺ said that this talbiyah is a clear sign of ihrām:

“Jibrīl came to me and said: ‘Instruct your companions to raise their voices with talbiyah, for it is one of the symbols of Ḥajj.’”
[Sunan Ibn Mājah]

Even though ‘Umrah is distinct from Ḥajj, the same talbiyah is used and it remains a symbol of responding to Allah’s call. It is recommended to repeat it often until you begin ṭawāf.

Entering al-Masjid al-Ḥarām

When you enter Makkah and approach al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, your heart should be filled with gratitude that Allah has allowed you to reach His Sacred House. The Ka‘bah is the first house placed for worship on earth.

“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah, blessed and a guidance for the worlds.”
[Qur’an 3:96]

You enter the mosque with your right foot, like other mosques, and say the general du‘āʾ for entering a mosque. When you first see the Ka‘bah, it is a moment to make abundant du‘āʾ. There is no single fixed supplication from the Prophet ﷺ at that first sight that is fully authentic, but it is a time when the believer humbles himself before Allah, praises Him, and asks for the best of this life and the next.

Now your ‘Umrah properly begins at the House itself.

Performing Ṭawāf around the Ka‘bah

What Is Ṭawāf?

Ṭawāf is walking around the Ka‘bah seven times, starting from the Black Stone and keeping the Ka‘bah on your left. It is an act of obedience that connects you to a worship carried out by Prophets before you.

“And [mention] when We designated for Ibrāhīm the site of the House, [saying], ‘Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform ṭawāf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.’”
[Qur’an 22:26]

The Prophet ﷺ himself performed ṭawāf when he entered al-Masjid al-Ḥarām.

“When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to the House, he touched the corner [the Black Stone] and then performed ṭawāf around the House.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim]

Beginning Ṭawāf

You move toward the Black Stone. For a beginner, crowds can make this challenging, but your duty is to act with calm and avoid harming others.

If you are able and it is safe:

1. Face the Black Stone.
2. Raise your right hand toward it.
3. Say “Allāhu akbar.”

If you can touch the Stone gently without pushing, you may do so and then kiss your hand. If you cannot reach it safely, you simply point toward it with your right hand and say “Allāhu akbar.” Hitting or pushing people to reach the Stone is sinful and contradicts the purpose of worship.

From there you begin your first circuit, keeping the Ka‘bah on your left. Each time you reach the Black Stone again you have finished one circuit. After seven circuits your ṭawāf is complete.

Dhikr and Du‘āʾ during Ṭawāf

There is no fixed single du‘āʾ that must be said in every round. You are free to recite Qur’an, send prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ, make du‘āʾ for yourself and others, and remember Allah in any lawful way. One authentic supplication mentioned between the corner of the Ka‘bah and the Black Stone is:

“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
[Qur’an 2:201]

You may repeat this supplication at any time during ṭawāf. The main point is humility and presence of heart, not memorizing a long list of phrases.

After Completing Ṭawāf

When the seven rounds are finished, it is sunnah to go behind the station of Ibrāhīm (Maqām Ibrāhīm) if possible and recite:

“And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Ibrāhīm a place of prayer.”
[Qur’an 2:125]

Then you pray two units of prayer facing the Ka‘bah. In the first unit it is common to recite Sūrat al-Kāfirūn after al-Fātiḥah, and in the second Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, following reports from the Companions, although these recitations are recommended, not obligatory.

After these two units, if safe and not overly crowded, many pilgrims try again to touch or signal toward the Black Stone before moving on to the next step. Throughout, a beginner should always prioritize safety, gentleness, and avoiding harm over reaching specific spots.

Drinking from Zamzam

Near the Ka‘bah is Zamzam, the blessed water that Allah caused to spring forth for Hājar and her son Ismā‘īl عليهما السلام. Drinking from Zamzam after ṭawāf is a practice many scholars encourage.

“May Allah have mercy on the mother of Ismā‘īl. If she had left Zamzam, or [he said] if she had not taken from it, Zamzam would have been a flowing stream.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī]

There is a report, although with some weakness, that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.”
[Sunan Ibn Mājah]

So the believer drinks Zamzam hoping for forgiveness, beneficial knowledge, good health, strong faith, and any other lawful need, turning the heart fully to Allah while drinking.

Sa‘y between Ṣafā and Marwah

Meaning and Origin of Sa‘y

Sa‘y is walking between the two hills of Ṣafā and Marwah seven times, beginning at Ṣafā and ending at Marwah. It commemorates the desperate but faithful search of Hājar for water for her son, and Allah’s mercy in sending the spring of Zamzam. Allah raised this action and made it a part of worship.

“Indeed, Ṣafā and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Ḥajj to the House or performs ‘Umrah there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good, then indeed, Allah is Appreciative and Knowing.”
[Qur’an 2:158]

Beginning at Ṣafā

After completing ṭawāf and the two units of prayer, you proceed to Ṣafā. When you approach Ṣafā it is sunnah to recite the verse about Ṣafā and Marwah mentioned above. Then you climb slightly upon Ṣafā, face the direction of the Ka‘bah if visible, and raise your hands in du‘āʾ.

The Prophet ﷺ, when he stood on Ṣafā, praised Allah and magnified Him. One of the phrases reported from him in this place is:

“Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar. Lā ilāha illā Allāh waḥdah, lā sharīka lah. Lahul-mulk wa lahul-ḥamd, wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr…”
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd]

After praising and glorifying Allah, you make personal du‘āʾ, then repeat your praise of Allah and du‘āʾ more than once if you wish.

From Ṣafā you walk toward Marwah. This counts as your first leg.

Walking between the Two Hills

You proceed at a natural walking pace, remembering Allah in any lawful way. Between two green markers in the middle of the path, men are encouraged to walk with a slightly faster pace, while women maintain their normal modest pace.

When you reach Marwah, you climb slightly as you did at Ṣafā, face the direction of the Ka‘bah if possible, praise Allah, and make du‘āʾ. This completes one full lap: from Ṣafā to Marwah.

Then you walk back from Marwah to Ṣafā, which is the second lap. You continue this until you complete seven laps, counting:

1. Ṣafā to Marwah
2. Marwah to Ṣafā
3. Ṣafā to Marwah
4. Marwah to Ṣafā
5. Ṣafā to Marwah
6. Marwah to Ṣafā
7. Ṣafā to Marwah

So you begin at Ṣafā and end at Marwah on the seventh lap.

Throughout sa‘y, recall Hājar’s trust in Allah and His response. Her story is summarized in the Prophet’s description:

“…She started running and going back and forth between Ṣafā and Marwah looking for water, and every time she went up to Ṣafā or Marwah she looked into the valley hoping to see someone. Then suddenly she heard a voice… and [there] was the angel at the place of Zamzam, digging the earth with his heel until water flowed…”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī]

The believer repeats the outward movements of Hājar while trying to internalize her inner state of reliance, patience, and certainty.

Cutting or Shaving the Hair

After completing sa‘y at Marwah, the main remaining action of ‘Umrah is to remove some or all of the hair. This is the sign that you have exited the state of ihrām and that the ‘Umrah is completed.

Allah mentioned this act along with Ḥajj rituals:

“…You will surely enter al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, if Allah wills, in safety, with your heads shaved and [hair] shortened, not fearing [anyone].”
[Qur’an 48:27]

The Prophet ﷺ made du‘āʾ specifically for those who shave their heads:

“O Allah, forgive those who shave their heads.”
They said: “And those who shorten, O Messenger of Allah?” He said:
“O Allah, forgive those who shave their heads.”
They said again: “And those who shorten, O Messenger of Allah?” He said:
“And those who shorten.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim]

Men are strongly encouraged to shave all their hair if circumstances allow, especially in their first ‘Umrah, or at least to shorten all parts of the head evenly. Women do not shave; they cut a small amount from the end of their hair, often about a fingertip’s length, from all sides.

Once the hair is shaved or cut, you leave the state of ihrām. All the restrictions of ihrām now end.

After Completing ‘Umrah

With the shaving or cutting of the hair, the pillars and main actions of ‘Umrah are complete: ihrām with intention, ṭawāf, sa‘y, and hair removal. At this point, you are no longer in ihrām and may return to normal clothing, perfume, marriage relations, and other previously restricted actions.

Allah encourages the believer to continue good deeds after major acts of worship, not to abandon them:

“So when you have completed the rites, then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers, or with [even] greater remembrance.”
[Qur’an 2:200]

A person who has just finished ‘Umrah should:

Remain grateful to Allah for allowing this worship.
Continue to avoid sin in Makkah, a sacred city where wrongdoing is even more serious.
Use the time in Makkah for additional prayers, Qur’an, du‘āʾ, and reflection.

The Prophet ﷺ explained that ‘Umrah is a means of forgiveness:

“‘Umrah to ‘Umrah is an expiation for what is between them, and Ḥajj that is accepted has no reward but Paradise.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim]

Although only Allah knows whose worship is accepted, a believer leaves ‘Umrah hopeful, humble, and committed to maintaining the changes that this journey began.

A Simple Summary of the Steps

To keep the sequence clear for a beginner, the essential steps of ‘Umrah can be remembered in simple order:

Enter ihrām with intention and talbiyah before passing the mīqāt.
Arrive in Makkah and enter al-Masjid al-Ḥarām.
Perform ṭawāf around the Ka‘bah, seven circuits, starting and ending at the Black Stone.
Pray two units behind Maqām Ibrāhīm if possible.
Drink from Zamzam, asking Allah for good.
Perform sa‘y between Ṣafā and Marwah, seven laps, starting at Ṣafā and ending at Marwah.
Shave or cut the hair to exit ihrām.

If these steps are carried out with sincerity, reverence, and in line with prophetic guidance, then the ‘Umrah has been performed in a way that pleases Allah, by His permission.